The Fortalice

Just wow! The magnificent Fortalice has to be the most impressive, most exclusive, most exquisite place to stay in the Cairngorms, a sumptuous bolthole for total relaxation. This ancient castle has been phenomenally brought back to life offering the most luxurious creature comforts whilst retaining complete authenticity. Lavish fabrics, the finest goatskin leathers, Ralph Lauren furnishings, a state-of-the-art Chalon kitchen, Holland and Sherry Saville Row tweeds and regal four poster beds are intertwined with expansive inglenook fireplaces, exposed stone walls, spiral stone staircases, vaulted ceilings, beautiful antiques and grand oil paintings creating the most extravagant, exquisite spaces imaginable. The Fortalice boasts a sensational location inside the magnificent Cairngorm National Park in the heart of Scotland. It sits proudly, on the doorstep of Kirkton of Glenisla and Blairgowrie, one and a half hours north of Edinburgh and surrounded by astounding, picturesque rolling hills. It is set against a stunning backdrop of rugged Perthshire countryside. Guests enjoy easy access to action-packed activities including fishing, shooting, stalking, horse riding, hiking, golf, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. For those less adventurous, fine dining, whisky tasting, shopping and visiting ancient castles are on the agenda. Some might even want to stay put in this stunning castle enjoying board games, watching movies or reading by the fire in the Great Hall. The Fortalice offers seven amazing bedrooms sleeping up to sixteen guests in total luxury. The castle enjoys a fascinating history, being built by the Ogilvys of Airlie as a fortified house in 1560. It was built to protect the entrance to the Balloch Pass to Glenshee and the Moneca Pass to Braemar and the North. The castle was partially destroyed in 1640 by the Duke of Argyll and has been lovingly restored back to its former glory since 1988 by the current owners. The Fortalice is built over five floors. The Great Hall, the very heart of the castle, is dominated by its vast inglenook fireplace and elaborately hand painted ceiling. It is a gorgeous space to chill and nestle up with books, glasses of wine and great company. At the same time, it is also the perfect entertaining space for a celebratory dinner, an intimate wedding or a corporate event. Ralph Lauren sofas and beautiful wing back chairs surround the fireplace and a giant dining table offers a fine dining space for up to sixteen guests. You will have a ball tasting drams of whisky and perhaps dancing along to a Ceilidh. The kitchen is dreamy with Chalon cabinetry, a fantastic double sized range cooker, other top-of-the-range appliances and Le Creuset pans. You can prepare hearty Scottish breakfasts and delicious feasts in this wonderfully atmospheric space. The adjacent vaulted space is home to a large refectory table and bench seating, ideal for your breakfasts or lunches. The vaulted ceiling adds fabulous character and intimacy. The ground floor is also home to a cute little unique chapel, perfect for small weddings. The hallways linking these wonderful spaces are decorated with vintage tartan rugs, antique paintings and numerous artefacts from days gone by. The Fortalice boasts seven sensational bedrooms, the most superior being the spectacular Laird’s Room. It truly is fit for a king or queen with its kingsize four poster Ralph Lauren bed, its walls upholstered in De le Cuona British wool, its own turret, its sumptuous sofa and its open plan bathroom with its period roll top bath and freestanding brass Drummonds shower. Beautiful antiques and period paintings adorn the walls ensuring that you feel totally indulged and spoilt when sleeping in this room. Sebastian’s Room is another gem with a kingsize four poster bed draped in heavy fabric, antique furniture including a castellated wardrobe, upholstered walls in Holland and Sherry Saville Row tweed and a comfy leather armchair where you can relax with a wee dram or a cup of tea. Julian’s Room also offers total luxury with its collection of interesting art pieces, its Holland and Sherry Saville Road tweed, its delightful Johnsons of Elgin cashmere, printed cushions and chequered throws and its ensuite bathroom. It offers an air of masculinity and sophistication. Rich purple hues feature in Katherine’s Room as well as bedspoke cushions and throws that adorn the handcarved wooden four poster with its starburst canopy. The upholstered walls finish off the layered design and complement the striking Swedish empire mirror and antique wash stand. This room also enjoys a turret which is home to a beautiful bureau. Right at the top of the castle with stunning views across the Cairngorm mountains, Samantha’s Room is a lucky pick with its kingsize four poster bed featuring a gathered canopy. There are deep buttoned stools upholstered in houndstooth wool and comforting fabric lined walls. The room also boasts a dressing table and a cosy armchair by the fireplace, perfect for a late night read. Again, you will be impressed by the art and the beautiful tapestries that complete the room. Robert’s Room is reached via a private staircase from the Great Hall. It is a fabulous room ideal for a book lover with its built in bookcases brimming with endless reads. The deep buttoned sofa is perfect for nestling down with a good book and the exquisite four poster bed will give the sleep of kings. Finally, the Garret is home to four beautifully dressed single beds that can be used for children under twelve years old. It is the perfect attic hideaway and the scene of much fun and late night chatter. Again, it is a beautiful space full of tartan and antique furnishings. In total, the castle offer three stunning and atmospheric bathrooms to share.The Fortalice is unforgettable. It is easy to see why this is the perfect place for an intimate highland wedding. Sixteen guests is the ideal number for a wedding here though more can be accommodated for a day event. The castle is fully licensed for civil, religious and humanist weddings.The castle sits on a spectacular spot with beautiful scenery all around. If you can bring yourselves to leave The Fortalice, you can explore the Cairngorms National Park with its choice of 55 Munros, four of which are the highest mountains in the UK. Those less active can enjoy the very scenic, spectacular drive along the 90 mile Snowroads stretch, starting at nearby Blairgowrie and driving to the Highland town of Grantown-on-Spey. Skiers can visit the famous Glenshee Snowsports Centre. Walkers can enjoy the sensational 64 mile Cateran Trail, taking the stunning moorland route to the trail’s highest point between Strathardle and Glenshee, enjoying breathtaking views of the lush glens and rugged peaks.   *Please kindly note that total maximum capacity is 12 adults and up to 4 additional children* Please note: Prices for Christmas and New Year are POA Features: Lower Ground Floor: Kitchen, breakfast room, chapel and loo. Upper Ground Floor: The Great Hall with private, narrow staircase leading up to Robert’s Room with four poster bed. First Floor: The Lairds Room with en-suite bathroom and four poster bed. Second Floor: Sebastian’s room with four poster bed. Third Floor: Julian’s room with King Size bed and en-suite bathroom, Katharine’s room with Four poster bed. Family bathroom. Top Floor: Samantha’s Room with four poster bed. Attic: Garret Room with four single beds. The castle has been rebuilt and refurbished to offer harmony between the 16th Century and modern 21st Century style living. The kitchen is very well equipped and includes a fridge/freezer, dishwasher and a huge range. The breakfast room is ideal for the first meal of the day or for intimate suppers and the crockery with its tartan designs recalls the Highlands. The tiny chapel on the ground floor is exquisite and gives the castle its heart. The Great Hall is magnificent with a beamed painted ceiling. The roaring log fire and comfy sofas make it the ideal place to totally relax surrounded by fascinating memorabilia, family photos and books. The views from all the windows are breathtaking. Up the spiral stairs, the bedrooms are all individually furnished, each one having its own style. There are four posters, tartan rugs, cashmere throws, heating, electric blankets and decanters of whisky.  The family bathroom is huge. Two bedrooms have en suite facilities and each of my family thought their bedroom was the best!  They are all lovely and very comfortable. *Please kindly note that total maximum capacity is 12 adults and up to 4 additional children* Location: The Fortalice is located close to Kirkton of Glenisla, a small highland village with a church, hotel, hall and a small number of houses. The village is situated on the River Isla, eleven miles north west of Kirriemuir and ten miles north of Blairgowrie. The Kirkton sits adjacent to the 64 mile waymarked Cateran Trail. There is an attractive suspension footbridge built in 1824 over the River Isla. The nearest stations are Edinburgh and Pitlochry. Helicopter transfers can be arranged with two weeks notice from the airports, the landing strip being at the top of the Glen, four miles from the castle. The Fortalice is a brilliant base for hill walking, fishing, cycling, golf and other sporting activities. There are over 100 fantastic courses including Braemar, the highest course in Scotland and possibly the most beautiful. The Cairngorm Mountains rise up each side of the course. The championship courses at Rosemount and Blairgowrie and the world famous Gleneagles, St Andrews and Caroustie are all within easy reach. Famous salmon and trout fishing rivers such as the River South Esk, the River Isla and the River Tay are also close by. The shooting of pheasant, partridge, grouse and stags can also be arranged. Glenshee is a spectacular glen. Its elevated position above the meadows of Shee Water offers the most breathtaking mountain scenery and very fresh air. It is situated on the southern fringe of the Cairngorms National Park, just 2 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Glenshee translates as ‘The Valley of Peace’ and is known fondly by the the locals as ‘the fairy glen’. The area is famous for its fantastic variety of activities including walking, angling, shooting, golf, cycling and also winter sports. Mountain biking, falconry and pony trekking are also available. The fantastic Glenshee Snowsports Centre is the place for skiers. If that is not enough to get the adrenaline flowing, Nae Limits offer an impressive range of water and land adventures including white water rafting, river tubing and quad biking. The Cairngorms National Park offers scenic drives and 55 Munroes to climb. They are ideal for beginners and experienced hill walkers alike. Kayakers and canoeists enjoy the challenging network of rivers. Instructor led beginner sessions can be arranged.    Another popular excursion is a trip to a distillery. Gin lovers adore the Persie Gin Distillery. Chocoholics can treat themselves at the award-winning Chocolatier Iain Burnett’s gift shop. The nearby towns of Blairgowrie and Pitlochry are very attractive. They are an easy drive and offer excellent amenities and plenty of attractions, including the Fish Ladder and Festival Theatre in Pitlochry. Terms & Conditions: ? £1,500 (£2000 for marriages and special occasions) paid via bank transfer or Paypal to the owner two months before arrival and refunded no later than three weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. 16.00 10.00 Included. Included. Max 3 well-trained small, medium or large size behaved dogs, to be confirmed at the time of booking. Please specify the breed when sending the booking request. Additional cost of £50 per dog per stay payable locally directly to the owner. Dogs are STRICTLY not allowed on furniture. Please note that the accommodation pricing does not include a £1,000 wedding surcharge to enable you and your guests to use The Fortalice as a wedding venue whilst staying at the castle. Bookings are taken Friday to Friday for weeks and Friday to Monday at weekends. Included. £100 will be deducted from the deposit if the castle is not left clean and tidy as it was found, this includes washing up. No smoking. Yes (no Wi-Fi access available)